Released: February 2007
Manufacturer: DigiDock
Description: In-car FM transmitter for any audio device + built in USB charger

If you just happen to own an MP3 player that doesn’t have an Apple logo on it (God forbid), finding an FM transmitter for your car can be a bit of an ordeal. Not only will the sound quality of the gadget be comparable with 1950’s AM radio, but the fact that very few products offer a generic charging outlet will also add to the crapness of your purchasing options.

Fortunately DigiDock have released the AC-2115 FM transmitter with built-in USB port for charging most generic devices, so you don’t have to rush out and buy an iPod (before getting your tips frosted and surrendering your soul to Steve Jobs) just so you can listen to music in your car. Using a generic audio mini-jack for sound connectivity means you can plug in any standard audio device (including iPods) going back for about 20 years, and the built in USB port supplies a standard 5 Volt charge to any device you plug into it (once again, including iPods) so you can charge your MP3, phone or any gadget using the standard.

The main body of the unit is rotatable through 180 degrees, so positioning the transmitter comfortably in most cars is simple, though the build-quality is still based on Chinese plastic so don’t jump up and down on it too many times.

While the blue power LED is useful for being able to tell when the unit is on, the scale and brightness of the thing might give the interior of your car a bit of a UFO movie glow at night.

Compared to a lot of the other products on the market, the AC-2115 is cheap, versatile and effective without restricting itself to specific brand name compatibility. Retails for around $40.

• Pros:
  Cheaper than most competitor products.
  Has built in USB charger for any compatible device.
  Good sound quality.
  Works with any device, not just iPods. 
• Cons:
  Fairly plasticky construction.
  Annoying huge, blue LED lights up whole car at night.

Rating: 4 out of 5